KAMPALA, Uganda — Police have arrested a suspected serial kidnapper linked to multiple child abductions in Kampala, in a breakthrough operation by the Flying Squad Unit.
The suspect, identified as Odongo Isaac, was apprehended on May 4, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation targeting a string of kidnapping cases registered in Old Kampala and Wandegeya.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the cases involved three juvenile boys: Kasirye Ethan (5), Kalenzi Joram Yosam (6), and Kibira Ramathan (5), who were abducted from areas including Kasubi, Nankulabye, Makerere, and Kawempe.
Investigations indicate that the suspect kidnapped the children on separate occasions between April 28 and May 2, 2026, and demanded ransom from their parents.
During interrogation, Odongo reportedly confessed to the crimes. He revealed that he abandoned Kalenzi Joram in Njeru near Jinja Bridge after failing to secure payment.
He later transported Kasirye Ethan to Lira before abandoning him there, while Kibira Ramathan was released in Kalerwe after the suspect received UGX 40,000 from the child’s mother.
Police have since recovered two of the victims from Njeru and Kalerwe, while arrangements are underway to safely return the third child from Lira.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a wider criminal network.